Apparatus and methods for separating slurried material

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for separating liquid from a slurry comprised of a solid and a liquid is described. The apparatus comprises a container sized and configured to receive the slurry which container comprises a removable cover sized and configured to enclose an atmosphere within the container when the cover is attached to the container, a filter disposed within the container for separating the liquid from the slurry, and a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the enclosed atmosphere of the container which pump is configured to create a vacuum within the container that causes the liquid to move through the filter, which pump is configured to vacuum material comprised of solid material, liquid material, gas or a combination of two or more of the foregoing. Related methods of separating liquid from the slurry using the apparatus of the invention are also described.

REFERENCE TO COMMONLY-OWNED APPLICATIONS

This application may be considered to have subject matter related tothat of commonly owned and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/711,499 filed on Nov. 13, 2000 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,450,775 B1, issuedon Sep. 17, 2002, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 09/482,995 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,322,327 B1, issuedon Nov. 27, 2001, to commonly owned U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/388,780, filed Mar. 14, 2003, entitled “Recirculating Jet Pump AndMethod Of Moving Material”, and to commonly owned U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/199,764, filed Jul. 19, 2002, entitled“Excavation System Employing a Jet Pump” co-filed herewith.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to apparatus and methods for dewatering slurriedmaterial.

BACKGROUND

Many industries produce large amounts of solid-liquid mixtures orslurries as by-products or waste material. Slurries also occur naturallyin various environments, such as in stream beds and lakes. Variousdevices have been employed to “de-water” or otherwise separate a liquidfaction from a mixture of liquids and solids.

Vacuum-type systems, sometimes in conjunction with filter media, havebeen used in the past to accomplish a desired separation of the liquidsfrom the slurry. In bulk operations when a constant liquid flow cannotbe maintained by action of conventional vacuum pumps, the conventionalpump will lose its prime or cavitate with a resulting loss of efficiencyin pumping capability. Therefore a need exists for an efficient systemof liquid-solid separation which can operate when the material pumped bythe vacuum pump is made up of liquids, gases or solids or a mixture oftwo or more of these.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is deemed to fulfill these and other needs by providing,among other things, an apparatus for separating liquid from a slurry ofat least one liquid and at least one solid. An embodiment this apparatuscomprises:

-   -   (A) a container sized and configured to receive the slurry, the        container comprising a removable cover sized and configured to        enclose an atmosphere within the container when the cover is        attached to the container;    -   (B) a filter disposed within the container, for separating        liquid in the slurry from solid material in the slurry by        allowing liquid to move through the filter as filtrate; and    -   (C) a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the enclosed        atmosphere of the container, which pump is configured to create        a vacuum within the container that causes the liquid to move        through the filter, and which pump is configured to vacuum        material comprised of solid material, liquid material, gas or a        combination of two or more of the foregoing while maintaining a        substantially continuous level of vacuum.

An embodiment of the apparatus the pump comprises:

-   -   (a) a nozzle assembly which is sized and configured to (i)        receive a pressurized motive liquid and a gas, and (ii) eject        the pressurized motive liquid as a motive liquid flow while        feeding the gas into proximity with the periphery of the motive        liquid flow;    -   (b) a housing defining a suction chamber into which the nozzle        assembly may eject the motive liquid flow, the housing further        defining a suction inlet and a suction outlet;    -   (c) an outlet pipe extending from the suction outlet away from        the suction chamber, the outlet pipe being configured for fluid        communication with the suction chamber and being disposed to        receive the motive liquid flow; the outlet pipe defining at        least a first inner diameter along a portion of its length and a        second inner diameter along another portion of its length, the        second inner diameter being less than the first inner diameter;        and    -   (d) a suction pipe, a first end of the suction pipe opening into        the suction chamber at the suction inlet, and a second end of        the suction pipe in fluid communication with the enclosed        atmosphere of the container.

Another embodiment of the invention comprises a method for separatingliquid from a slurry comprised of a mixture of at least one solid and atleast one liquid. The method comprises:

-   -   (A) placing a filter within a container wherein the container        has a removable cover sized and configured to substantially        enclose an atmosphere within the container when the cover is        attached to the container;    -   (B) placing the slurry into the container;    -   (C) creating a vacuum within the container by operation of a        vacuum pump, which pump is configured to effectively vacuum        material which comprises solid material, liquid material, gas or        a combination of two or more or the foregoing while maintaining        a substantially continuous level of vacuum, and wherein the pump        is in fluid communication with the enclosed atmosphere of the        container; and    -   (D) separating the filtrate from the slurry by drawing the        filtrate through the filter by vacuum action of the pump.

The step of the method for creating the vacuum within the containerfurther comprises:

-   -   (a) injecting a pressurized liquid into a nozzle assembly of the        pump to produce a flow of pressurized liquid;    -   (b) providing a gas to said nozzle assembly to surround the flow        of pressurized liquid with the gas; and    -   (c) directing the flow of pressurized liquid surrounded by the        gas into a suction chamber in fluid communication with a first        end of a suction pipe and an outlet pipe, the outlet pipe        defining a venturi-like inner surface, and directing the flow of        pressurized liquid surrounded by the gas toward the outlet pipe        to produce a vacuum at a second end of the suction pipe, which        second end of the suction pipe is in fluid communication with        the enclosed atmosphere of the container.

An embodiment of the method of the invention further comprises conveyingthe filtrate into (I) the motive liquid flow of the pump or (II) acollection tank located in series between the pump and the container,which collection tank is in fluid communication with the enclosedatmosphere of the container.

These and other embodiments and features of the invention will becomestill further apparent from the ensuing drawings, description andappended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of an apparatus embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 2A is a sectional view of the vacuum pump component of theapparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a sectional view of the nozzle assembly of a jet pump of theapparatus of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of an apparatus embodiment of this inventionshowing a relationship of the collection tank to the pump and container.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view in perspective of the container of anapparatus embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 5 is an exploded view in perspective of the container of anapparatus embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view of an apparatus embodiment of this inventionshowing the relationship of the access port of the cover and the outletports to the container.

FIG. 7 is a sectional end view of an apparatus embodiment of thecontainer of this invention.

FIG. 8 is a top view of an apparatus embodiment of the container of thisinvention.

FIG. 9 is a partial sectional view of the an apparatus embodiment of thecontainer of this invention.

In each of the above figures, like numerals are used to refer to like orfunctionally like parts among the several figures.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As will now be appreciated, the present invention enables highlyefficient separation of a liquid from solids of a slurry. An embodimentof the invention which separates liquid from a slurry of at least oneliquid and at least one solid may be seen in FIG. 1. The apparatuscomprises a container 10 sized and configured to receive slurry 12.Container 10 is herein depicted as a roll-off container, but it can beany suitably sized and structured container such as, but not limited to,tanks, boxes, dumpsters, dump truck beds, drums and hoppers. Container10 need be no set shape, size or form but preferably will hold asuitable amount of slurried material for the particular application.Container 10 comprises a removable cover 18 sized and configured toenclose an atmosphere within container 10 when cover 18 is attached. Ina preferred embodiment, cover 18 comprises a flexible, non-porousmaterial capable of substantially conforming to upper level 76 of slurry12. The term non-porous, as used herein means sufficiently impervious togas, liquid, or solid to provide the substantially sealed volume orenclosed atmosphere required to form a sufficient vacuum in thecontainer. Suitable materials for cover 18 can be, but are not limitedto, plastic, MYLAR®, metal foil sheeting, tightly woven material wherethe threads are liquid-impermeable, and visqueen. Of these, visqueen isa preferred material for cover 18. By substantially conforming to theupper level of slurry 12, cover 18 can serve the additional function ofallowing the operator to judge the progress of the filling operationwhen slurry 12 is received by container 10. Cover 18 can be removed topermit filling and emptying of container 10.

Filter 22 is disposed within container 10 so that filter 22substantially conforms to the shape of container 10, but so that a space20, preferably in the range of about 1.5 to 4 inches, is formed betweenthe exterior wall 78 of container 10 and filter 22. During and afterreception of slurry 12 into container 10, liquid 14 moves through filter22. For clarity, liquid 14, after passage through filter 22 ischaracterized as filtrate 24.

When cover 18 is securely attached to container 10, container 10 andcover 18 define an enclosed atmosphere. This enclosed atmosphere is thegas, liquid and/or solid material in the space defined by cover 18 andexterior wall 78 of container 10.

Action of a vacuum pump in fluid communication with the enclosedatmosphere of container 10 creates a vacuum within container 10 thatcauses liquid 14 to move rapidly and efficiently through filter 22. Thevacuum pump is configured to vacuum material comprised of solidmaterial, liquid material, gas or a combination or mixture of any two ormore of these while maintaining a substantially continuous level ofvacuum. In one embodiment of the invention, jet pump 26, as depicted inFIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, is capable of maintaining a substantially continuouslevel of vacuum regardless of the makeup of the pumped material withoutcavitation or loss of prime. By substantially continuous level of vacuumit is meant that there is no significant deviation from the level ofvacuum, even if the pumped material contains large volumes of air orother gases. In one embodiment of the invention jet pump 26 comprisesthe jet pump described in our U.S. Pat. No. 6,322,327 B1 and pendingU.S. application Ser. No. 09/482,995, which is incorporated herein byreference.

FIG. 1 depicts an embodiment of the invention where slurry 12 comprisesliquid 14, gas 70, and solids 16. Preferably, liquid 14 will be causedto move through filter 22, to form filtrate 24, which in turn is broughtinto space 20, and then out of container 10. This movement of filtrate24 through filter 22 can either be along the bottom or sides of filter22. In the preferred depicted embodiment, a valve 74 is provided forcontrolling flow of filtrate 24 out of container 10 and also forcontrolling fluid communication between jet pump 26 and container 10. Asdepicted in FIGS. 1 and 2A, filtrate 24 is drawn through valve 74 uponoperation of jet pump 26 and into the motive fluid flow of jet pump 26.

As may be seen in an embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 2A, ainlet pipe 96 feeds water or other liquid as a pressurized motive fluid30, pumped by a conventional-type pump (not shown) to jet pump 26.Typically, this conventional-type pump is a centrifugal pump, but it canbe any pumping means, such as a positive displacement pump or evenanother jet pump.

FIG. 2B illustrates nozzle assembly 28 of jet pump 26 in greater detail.Jet pump 26 includes nozzle assembly 28, which in turn is comprised of afluid nozzle 98, an air injection nozzle 100 and a nozzle housing 102.Nozzle housing 102 is a flanged member which is attached to andmaintains the proper position of fluid nozzle 98 adjacent to airinjection nozzle 100. Air intake 104 is one or more passages throughnozzle housing 102. In the embodiment depicted, a single air intake 104is shown although those skilled in the art could use more. A gas conduitin the form of an air hose 34, shown only in FIG. 2A, provides a gas tojet pump 26 and allows jet pump 26 to use air even when below the waterlevel.

As may be seen from FIGS. 2A and 2B, motive fluid 30, supplied by apumping means passes in a motive fluid flow 32 through inlet pipe 96,fluid nozzle 98, and air injection nozzle 100 into a housing 36 whichdefines a suction chamber 38. In suction chamber 38, the fluid in theform of a liquid flow combines with material entering from suction pipe50, and the combined stream enters an outlet pipe 44 having a targettube 106. The material entering from suction pipe 50 can bepredominately filtrate 24 or, in another embodiment of the invention,can be predominately gas such as air with little or no liquid or solidcontent. The combined stream then passes through target tube 106 intooutlet pipe 44.

Referring to FIG. 2B, in the interior of nozzle housing 102, fluidnozzle 98 includes constricted throat 108. Fluid nozzle 98 is attachedby a connecting means to air injection nozzle 100. Air gap 110 existsbetween constricted throat 108 and air injection nozzle 100. In oneembodiment, air gap 110 between constricted throat 108 and air injectionnozzle 100 at its narrowest point measures {fraction (3/16)} of an inch.The overall area and dimension at the narrowest point of air gap 110will vary with the application and the material being transferred tooptimize the suction effect.

Constricted throat 108 is attached to air injection nozzle 100 by meansof nozzle housing 102. Nozzle housing 102 is a flanged pipe with airintake 104 drilled into the pipe circumference. Although nozzle housing102 is depicted with one air intake 104, those skilled in the art wouldknow that multiple air intakes can be provided. Air injection nozzle 100is provided with one or more air holes 112.

When air injection nozzle 100 and fluid nozzle 98 are assembled, one ofair holes 112 can align with air intake 104. Alignment however is notnecessary, as air injection nozzle 100 further defines an annular trough114 in its outer surface into which air holes 112 open, therebyproviding a path for air flow around the circumference of nozzle 100 andinto each of holes 112.

Air hole 112 and air intake 104 allow the entry of atmospheric air tofill air gap 110. The forced delivery of liquid through constrictedthroat 108 creates a vacuum in air gap 110 that pulls in atmosphericair. Varying the amount of air entering air hole 112 creates anincreased or decreased suction effect in air gap 110.

In one embodiment, vacuum in air gap 110 measures 29 inches of Hg whenair intake 104 is 10% open, compared to 10 inches of Hg when air intake104 is 100% open. Restriction of air through air intake 104 can beaccomplished by any mechanical valve means, e.g., such as that depictedin FIG. 1 as valve 74.

Without being bound to theory, it is believed that entry of a gas (e.g.,air) into air gap 110 creates a gas bearing effect as may be seen inFIG. 2B. The air surrounds the flow of fluid leaving constricted throat108 and the combined fluid jet with surrounding air passes through airinjection nozzle 100.

Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the fluid jet with the air, introducedthrough air gap 110, exits air injection nozzle 100, passes throughsuction chamber 38, and enters target tube 106. The combined air fluidjet passes through suction chamber 38 with minimal deflection beforeentering target tube 106.

Referring to FIG. 2A, suction chamber 38 is shown with suction pipe 50entering at a 45° angle. The angle of entry of suction pipe 50 can be inthe range of about 30° to about 90° with 45° preferred in embodiment ofthe invention of FIGS. 1 and 2A. The design of suction chamber 38 allowsone to adjust the placement of air injection nozzle 100 so that airinjection nozzle 100 is out of the flow of material entering suctionchamber 38, so as to prevent wear, or further into suction chamber 38and into the imaginary line of flow Z of suction pipe 50 so as to createa greater vacuum. Thus, it is to be understood that the nozzle assembly28 and particularly air injection nozzle 100 can be extended intosuction chamber 38 towards suction outlet 42 and into the imaginary lineof flow Z of suction pipe 50.

Target tube 106 constitutes a segment of the outlet pipe in the form ofa detachable wear plate in the preferred embodiment illustrated. Theoutlet pipe segment defines an inner surface, at least a portion ofwhich in turn defines the second inner diameter of the outlet pipe. Thetarget tube can be detached from outlet pipe 44 and suction chamber 38.The majority of wear from abrasive material occurs in target tube 106,not suction chamber 38, because of reduced cavitation from the airbearing effect on the liquid jet and the design of suction chamber 38.

Target tube 106 can vary in both length and diameter. Diameter will mostoften be determined by the character of the material conveyed. Lengthand diameter of target tube 106 will effect the distance and headpressure that jet pump 26 can generate. In an embodiment shown in FIG.2A, target tube 106 could have angled edges 46 of a larger diameter thanthe diameter of the target tube body 48 at one or both ends of targettube 106.

In a preferred embodiment, the nozzle elements of FIG. 2A areconstructed according to specific proportions. Although the nozzleelements are shown as three separate elements, those skilled in the artwould know that the nozzle assembly could be constructed of one or moreelements of varying dimensions. Fluid nozzle 98 is 5 inches in lengthand 8 inches in outer diameter. Constricted throat 108 of fluid nozzle98 at its inner edge narrows radially inward from 8 inches to 2 inchesdiameter at its narrowest point at a 45° angle. Constricted throat 108measures 3 inches in diameter on its outer edge.

Dimensions of air injection nozzle 100 for a preferred embodiment of theinvention can be as follows. Air injection nozzle 100 is 12⅞ inches inlength. At one end, air injection nozzle 100 is 10 inches in diameter onits outside surface, and 8.01 inches in diameter on its inside surface.The outside surface remains 10 inches in diameter axially for a lengthof 5 inches, then drops radially to a diameter of 7 inches, and anglesinward radially to a diameter of 4 inches for the remaining length. In apreferred embodiment, air injection nozzle 100 has an angle of 102°between the smallest diameter at angled end in the vertical plane andangled edge. The inside surface of air injection nozzle 100 remains 8.01inches axially for a length of 4{fraction (3/16)} inches, then dropsradially to a diameter of 2½ inches for the remainder of the length.

In a preferred embodiment, nozzle housing 102 measures 13½ inches at itsflanged end connected to fluid nozzle 98. At its flanged end, connectedto suction chamber 38, the outer diameter measures 19 inches and aninner diameter measuring 7.0625 inches, sufficient to allow passage ofair injection nozzle 100 at its angled end. The flanged end of nozzlehousing 102 has an inner diameter for the remaining length of 10.01inches to accommodate air injection nozzle 100 at its largest point.Nozzle housing 102 has a 1 inch NPT connection in air intake 104.

While it is understood that at least one preferred jet pump describedherein is characterized by the entry of atmospheric air and a detachableoutlet pipe segment forming a wear plate, it is apparent that theforegoing description of specific embodiments can be readily adapted forvarious applications without departing from the general concept orspirit of this invention. Thus, for example, the inner surface of theoutlet pipe (which provides the venturi effect feature of the outletpipe) alternatively can be defined by the pipe itself, rather than adetachable wear plate, and/or the gas entering the nozzle assembly canbe an inert gas, e.g., nitrogen.

These and other adaptions and modifications are intended to becomprehended within the range of equivalents of the presently disclosedembodiments so that jet pump 26 is capable of maintaining a significantsuction effect in gaseous or liquid environments. Terminology usedherein is for the purpose of description and not limitation.

The dimensions of the various component parts of jet pump 26 may varydepending upon the circumstances in which jet pump 26 will be employed,so long as the dimensions permit the components to function as describedherein. Except where specifically noted otherwise herein, the componentparts may be fabricated from a wide variety of materials, the selectionof which will depend again upon the circumstances in which jet pump 26will be employed. Preferably, metals, metal alloys or resilientplastics, for example, will be employed to insure that points ofmechanical contact or abrasive wear in the systems and pumps will beresilient enough to withstand the forces placed upon them during pumpoperation.

Filter 22 is chosen for a particular application so that no significantamount of solid 16 of slurry 12 is able to move through filter 22, thusaccomplishing the desired separation of components of slurry 12. In anembodiment of the invention shown best in FIGS. 1, and 3 filter 22 iscomprised of a first filter element 58 and a second filter element 60.First filter element 58 can be a material such as metal screen orperforated metal sheet, that can be removably or permanently attached tothe interior of container 10. Though depicted in FIGS. 1, and 3 as beingdisposed within container 10 so as to effectively cover the bottom andside walls, first filter element 58 may be disposed only along thebottom of container 10. Second filter element 60 can be any suitablefilter media such as the non-limiting examples of felt and/or woven ornon-woven geotextiles, such as those produced by Amoco Fabrics andFibers Company of Atlanta, Ga. The choice of filter media is determinedby the characteristics of slurry 12 so that optimal separation of liquid14 can be achieved. The metal screen can have a pore size in the rangeof about 0.125 to about 0.25 inches and the filter media can have a poresize in the range of about 0.02 to about 0.06 inches.

Container 10 can be additionally configured to serve as a storagecontainer for storing either the slurry, the filtered solid, or both andcan be configured to serve as a transport container for transportingeither the slurry, the filtered solid or both.

An embodiment of the invention for separating liquid 14 from slurry 12is shown in FIG. 3, where configuration and features of container 10,filter 22, and jet pump 26 are consistent with the foregoing discussion.In this embodiment the apparatus additionally comprises a collectiontank 68 in fluid communication with both the enclosed atmosphere ofcontainer 10 and with jet pump 26. Collection tank 68, as depicted inthis embodiment of the invention, is located between container 10 andjet pump 26 so that liquid 14 is drawn through filter 22 into space 20to become filtrate 24 by vacuum action of jet pump 26.

Collection tank 68 comprises at least one inlet 116, at least one outlet118, and at least one drain 76 Operation of jet pump 26 causes a vacuumto be formed at the second end 54 of suction pipe 50 which second end 54In fluid communication with outlet 118 of collection tank 68. Thisvacuum causes filtrate to be drawn quickly and efficiently throughcollection tank inlet 116 which is in fluid communication with theenclosed atmosphere of container 10. Filtrate typically enterscollection tank inlet 116 and collects at the bottom of collection tank68. Periodically, vacuum operation of jet pump 26 is halted, valve 74 inline between jet pump 26 and collection tank outlet 118, and valve 74between collection tank inlet 116 and container 10 are closed, and drain76 is opened to remove any collected filtrate. Removal of filtratethrough drain 76 can be assisted by the use of pumping means (not shown)which means can include any conventional type pump or a jet pump asdescribed above. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the pump usedrecycled motive fluid as in our commonly-owned U. S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/199,763, filed concurrently herewith. This latterconfiguration is preferred when it is desirable to keep filtrate 24separate from the motive liquid flow 30 of jet pump 26. Suchapplications might include, but are not limited to, de-watering ofslurry which is contaminated with a hazardous liquid or volatile whichrequires special segregation and storage of filtrate after separation.

In an embodiment of FIG. 4, filter 22 comprises a filter bag 66 which isdisposed within container 10 so as to permit slurry 12 to be receivedinto filter bag 66. Once filter bag 66 is substantially filled withslurry 12, cover 18 is securely attached to a top edge 92 of container10 (as seen in FIG. 8) so that the enclosed atmosphere is formed withincontainer 10. Vacuum action to draw filtrate through filter bag 66 andinto space 20 can then proceed as previously described. Filter bag 66can be comprised of a liquid permeable material. This material may, forexample, be either a porous woven or porous non-woven material. Onesource of such filter bags capable of holding bulk amounts of slurry isTen Cate Nicolon, Pendergrass, Ga. Use of such filter bags makesemptying of container 10 easier, since solids 16 will be contained withfilter bag 66. Filter bag 66 can be removed by any appropriate meansfrom container 10 with solids 16 inside and transported for ultimatedisposal at another location.

Container 10 can be emptied by removing cover 18. If container 10comprises a roll-off container, as shown in FIGS. 4-8, removal of solids16 after de-watering can be accomplished by opening hinged end 84 ofcontainer 10 as shown best in FIG. 7. Hinged end 84 is capable ofclosing tightly enough to provide a suitable enclosed atmosphere of thisinvention.

In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 6-9, cover 18 comprises a flexiblenon-porous material capable of substantially conforming to upper level62 of slurry 12. During creation of a vacuum within the enclosedatmosphere, cover 18 will typically move toward the bottom of container10 as liquid 14 removal progresses and this movement of cover 18 servesto additionally aid in the separation process by pressing on the uppersurface of slurry 12. Cover 18 can also comprise at least one closeableaccess port 64 sized and configured to either receive slurry intocontainer 10 or close during provision of the enclosed atmosphere. In apreferred alternative embodiment, access port 64 can remain open orpartially open during operation of jet pump 26 so that slurry 12 can beloaded into container 10 while liquid 14 is being drawn off in asubstantially continuous process. Means for closing access port 64 canbe a gate valve such as valve 74, shown in FIG. 6, but other closingmeans are within the scope of this invention. Access port 64 as depictedextends through cover 18, into the interior of container 10. Access port64 can be constructed of any suitable material which is rigid enoughduring the movement of slurry into container 10 to provide anon-collapsing accessway. Cover 18 is shown in FIG. 6 as being sealed atband 88 so that, with valve 74 closed, an enclosed atmosphere can beproduced to allow swift and efficient separation of liquid 14 fromslurry 12, using the vacuum produced by jet pump 26 (not shown). Band 88is only one possible means for producing a seal between access port 64and cover 18. Other means might include but are not limited to clamps,wire and VELCRO®.

Attachment between cover 18 and container 10 should be sufficientlytight to permit formation of the necessary enclosed atmosphere. Suchattachment for one embodiment of the invention is best seen by referringto FIGS. 6, 8 and 9. Sections of U-shaped metal, depicted as channel 86in the figures, are placed over the outer edge of cover 18 as it isstretched over top edge 92 of container 10. The number of segments ofchannel 86 used depends on the type of material used for cover 18 andthe degree of sealing necessary between cover 18 and container 10 toaccomplish provision of the enclosed atmosphere. Other attachment meanscan be used other than channel, such as, but not limited to VELCRO®,snaps, and clamps.

FIG. 9 depicts an embodiment of the invention where circumstancedictates the need to secure cover 18 even more tightly to top edge 92 ofcontainer 10. This is accomplished by using C-clamp 82 to compress cover18 between channel 86 and top edge 92, as shown.

An embodiment can be seen in FIGS. 6, 7, and 8 where container 10comprises a plurality of outlet ports 72,72 disposed around container10. Outlet ports 72,72 are sized and configured to be in fluidcommunication with the enclosed atmosphere of container 10. In theembodiment shown, outlet ports 72,72 are in fluid communication withspace 20 of container 10. At least one outlet port 72 is equipped with avalve 72 which allows control of fluid through outlet port 72.

One or more outlet ports 72,72 can be put into fluid communication withsuction pipe 50 of jet pump 26 or in an alternative embodiment, outletports 72,72 can be put into fluid communication with collection tankinlet 116.

In another embodiment of this invention illustrated in FIG. 10,components of slurry 12 are separated in an alternative containercomprised of a filter bag 66, which may be filled or partially filledwith slurry 12. Bag 66 may be in a separate rigid container or simply beplaced on the ground in its unsupported form. A filter wand 120 in theform of an elongated hollow tube defining a plurality of openings 122and having a closed end which extends into bag 66 and an open end whichis in fluid communication with collection tank 68. When jet pump 26operates to create a vacuum within collection tank 68, a vacuum is alsocreated at openings 122 of filter wand 120. This vacuum causes liquid 14to be drawn through openings 122 to become filtrate 24 and pass intocollection tank 68. Once there, filtrate 24 may be handled as describedherein.

As shown in FIG. 10, it is particularly preferred that cover 18 isdraped over bag 66 to provide a partially enclosed atmosphere within bag66. It will be appreciated that filter wand 120 can be inserted into anyappropriate slurry container for separating liquid therefrom. However,this preferred embodiment which employs filter bag 66 without asupporting exterior container permits liquid to seep from filter bag 66while filter wand 120 simultaneously removes liquid from the contents ofbag 66. The sizing of openings 122 will dictate the amount and particlesize of solids which remain in filtrate 24. The use of a particularsizing will be determined at least in part by the nature of the materialto be filtered.

It will be appreciated that the embodiment of FIG. 10 may be comprisedof a plurality of filter wands in fluid communication with the same ordifferent collection tanks or the same or different jet pumps. By usinga plurality of filter wands, larger filter bags containing greateramounts of slurry may be de-watered effectively.

As used herein the phrase “put into fluid communication with” signifiesthat some means of connecting the designated elements is employed, suchas tube, lines, conduit, pipes, manifolds or the like, as long as fluidcan pass between the designated elements.

Each and every patent, publication, or commonly-owned patent applicationreferred to in any portion of this specification is incorporated in totointo this disclosure by reference, as if fully herein.

This invention is susceptible to considerable variation in its practice.Therefore, the foregoing description is not intended to limit, andshould not be construed as limiting, the invention to the particularexemplifications presented hereinabove. Rather, what is intended to becovered is as set forth in the ensuing claims and the equivalentsthereof permitted as a matter of law.

1. An apparatus for separating liquid from a slurry of at least oneliquid and at least one solid, which comprises: (A) a container sizedand configured to receive the slurry, the container comprising aremovable cover sized and configured to enclose an atmosphere within thecontainer when the cover is attached to the container; (B) a filterdisposed within the container, for separating liquid in the slurry fromsolid material in the slurry by allowing liquid to move through thefilter as filtrate; and (C) a vacuum pump in fluid communication withthe enclosed atmosphere of the container, which pump is configured tocreate a vacuum within the container that causes the liquid to movethrough the filter, and which pump is configured to vacuum materialcomprised of solid material, liquid material, gas or a combination oftwo or more of the foregoing while maintaining a substantiallycontinuous level of vacuum, wherein the pump comprises: (a) a nozzleassembly which is sized and configured to (i) receive a pressurizedmotive liquid and a gas, and (ii) eject the pressurized motive liquid asa motive liquid flow while feeding the gas into proximity with theperiphery of the motive liquid flow; (b) a housing defining a suctionchamber into which the nozzle assembly may eject the motive liquid flow,the housing further defining a suction inlet and a suction outlet; (c)an outlet pipe extending from the suction outlet away from the suctionchamber, the outlet pipe being configured for fluid communication withthe suction chamber and being disposed to receive the motive liquidflow; the outlet pipe defining at least a first inner diameter along aportion of its length and a second inner diameter along another portionof its length, the second inner diameter being less than the first innerdiameter; and (d) a suction pipe, a first end of the suction pipeopening into the suction chamber at the suction inlet, and a second endof the suction pipe in fluid communication with the enclosed atmosphereof the container; and wherein the cover comprises a flexible non-porousmaterial capable substantially conforming to the upper level of theslurry when the slurry is in the container.
 2. An apparatus according toclaim 1 wherein the cover further comprises at least one closeableaccess port sized and configured to either receive slurry into thecontainer or close during provision of the enclosed atmosphere.
 3. Anapparatus according to claim 1 wherein the filtrate flows from thecontainer into the motive liquid flow of the pump.
 4. An apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein the filter comprises a first filter elementand a second filter element, wherein the first filter element comprisesa screen lining the container and wherein the second filter elementcomprises filter media disposed upon the first filter element.
 5. Anapparatus according to claim 1 wherein the filter comprises a bag ofliquid permeable material, the bag being sized and configured to receivethe slurry as the slurry is received into the container.
 6. An apparatusaccording to claim 5 wherein the liquid permeable material is porouswoven material.
 7. An apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the liquidpermeable material is porous non-woven material.
 8. An apparatusaccording to claim 5 wherein the container comprises a transportcontainer.
 9. An apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the containercomprises a transport container.
 10. An apparatus for separating liquidfrom a slurry of at least one liquid and at least one solid, whichcomprises: (A) a container sized and configured to receive the slurry,the container comprising a removable cover sized and configured toenclose an atmosphere within the container when the cover is attached tothe container; (B) a filter disposed within the container, forseparating liquid in the slurry from solid material in the slurry byallowing liquid to move through the filter as filtrate; and (C) a vacuumpump in fluid communication with the enclosed atmosphere of thecontainer, which pump is configured to create a vacuum within thecontainer that causes the liquid to move through the filter, and whichpump is configured to vacuum material comprised of solid material,liquid material, gas or a combination of two or more of the foregoingwhile maintaining a substantially continuous level of vacuum, whereinthe pump comprises: (a) a nozzle assembly which is sized and configuredto (i) receive a pressurized motive liquid and a gas, and (ii) eject thepressurized motive liquid as a motive liquid flow while feeding the gasinto proximity with the periphery of the motive liquid flow; (b) ahousing defining a suction chamber into which the nozzle assembly mayeject the motive liquid flow, the housing further defining a suctioninlet and a suction outlet; (c) an outlet pipe extending from thesuction outlet away from the suction chamber, the outlet pipe beingconfigured for fluid communication with the suction chamber and beingdisposed to receive the motive liquid flow; the outlet pipe defining atleast a first inner diameter along a portion of its length and a secondinner diameter along another portion of its length, the second innerdiameter being less than the first inner diameter; and (d) a suctionpipe, a first end of the suction pipe opening into the suction chamberat the suction inlet, and a second end of the suction pipe in fluidcommunication with the enclosed atmosphere of the container, wherein thecontainer further comprises a plurality of outlet ports disposed aroundthe container, which outlet ports are in fluid communication with theenclosed atmosphere and wherein at least one of the plurality of outletports is equipped with a valve to control fluid flow therethrough. 11.An apparatus according to claim 10 wherein each of the plurality ofoutlet ports is sized and configured to be in fluid communication withthe second end of the suction pipe of the pump.
 12. An apparatusaccording to claim 10 wherein the container comprises a transportcontainer.
 13. An apparatus for separating liquid from a slimy of atleast one liquid and at least one solid, which comprises: (A) acontainer sized and configured to receive the slurry, the containercomprising a removable cover sized and configured to enclose anatmosphere within the container when the cover is attached to thecontainer; (B) a filter disposed within the container, for separatingliquid in the slurry from solid material in the slurry by allowingliquid to move through the filter as filtrate; and (C) a vacuum pump influid communication with the enclosed atmosphere of the container, whichpump is configured to create a vacuum within the container that causesthe liquid to move through the filter, and which pump is configured tovacuum material comprised of solid material, liquid material, gas or acombination of two or more of the foregoing while maintaining asubstantially continuous level of vacuum, wherein the pump comprises:(a) a nozzle assembly which is sized and configured to (i) receive apressurized motive liquid and a gas, and (ii) eject the pressurizedmotive liquid as a motive liquid flow while feeding the gas intoproximity with the periphery of the motive liquid flow; (b) a housingdefining a suction chamber into which the nozzle assembly may eject themotive liquid flow, the housing further defining a suction inlet and asuction outlet; (c) an outlet pipe extending from the suction outletaway from the suction chamber, the outlet pipe being configured forfluid communication with the suction chamber and being disposed toreceive the motive liquid flow; the outlet pipe defining at least afirst inner diameter along a portion of its length and a second innerdiameter along another portion of its length, the second inner diameterbeing less than the first inner diameter; and (d) a suction pipe, afirst end of the suction pipe opening into the suction chamber at thesuction inlet, and a second end of the suction pipe in fluidcommunication with the enclosed atmosphere of the container, wherein theapparatus further comprises a collection tank located in series betweenthe pump and the container which collection tank is in fluidcommunication with the second end of the suction pipe opening of thepump and with the enclosed atmosphere of the container such that thefiltrate from the slurry within the container is caused to flow into thecollection tank when the pump causes a vacuum to be created within thecontainer.
 14. An apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the containerfurther comprises a plurality of outlet ports disposed around thecontainer, which outlet ports are in fluid communication with theenclosed atmosphere and wherein at least one of the plurality of outletports is equipped with a valve to control fluid flow therethrough. 15.An apparatus according to claim 14 wherein each of the plurality ofoutlet ports is sized and configured to be in fluid communication withthe collection tank.
 16. An apparatus according to claim 13 wherein thefilter comprises a first filter element and a second filter element,wherein the first filter element comprises a screen lining the containerand wherein the second filter element comprises filter media disposedupon the first filter element.
 17. An apparatus according to claim 13wherein the filter comprises a bag of liquid permeable material, the bagbeing sized and configured to receive the shiny as the slurry isreceived into the container.
 18. An apparatus according to claim 17wherein the liquid permeable material is porous woven material.
 19. Anapparatus according to claim 17 wherein the liquid permeable material isporous non-woven material.
 20. An apparatus according to claim 13wherein the cover further comprises at least one closeable access portsized and configured to either receive slurry into the container orclose during provision of the enclosed atmosphere.
 21. An apparatusaccording to claim 13 wherein the container comprises a transportcontainer.